Dispensing is not the same as administering a medication. To better understand the differences between these two activities, please refer to the Medication practice standard and our FAQs.

The warning sticker and the patient information handout are now available on the Government of Canada's Information for Patients Concerning Opioidsweb page. Nurses will be responsible for obtaining and producing copies of the sticker and handout for their own use.

The Government of Canada has made these changes to ensure patients are provided with clear, consistent information about the safe use of opioids, and the risks associated with their use.

Read Health Canada’s Q&As for more information about these new requirements.